Latest news with #Indian-themed
New York Post
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Why top NYC restaurants are bringing in famed chefs from around the world
Top New York City restaurants are increasingly turning to collaborations with renowned chefs from around the globe to boost business and stand out from high-end rivals, Side Dish has learned. The collabs, while not a new phenomenon, have taken on added importance as President Trump's tariffs create challenges for chefs to source some of their favorite ingredients. However, importing talent from all corners of the globe – which at popular Tribeca haunt l'abeille means bringing in chefs from England, France, Belgium, Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand – remains tax-free. 7 l'abeille in Tribeca is importing talent from all corners of the globe. Eric Vitale Photography 'Global residences help everyone grow and learn — from the guests to the staff. They keep the restaurant interesting,' said Howard Chang, co-owner of Kuma Hospitality Group's l'abeille with partners Rahul Saito and executive chef Mitsunobu Nagae. The dinners these top chefs serve up at ticketed events aren't cheap. At a recent, prix-fixe collab dinner at l'abeille, Nagae worked with London-based chef Chet Sharma, who studied physics at Oxford and now helms the standout Indian-themed restaurant BiBi in London's swanky Mayfair neighborhood. The meal cost $325, with an additional $295 for wine pairings. The exclusive events, however, often don't bring in more money than regular a la carte dinners, restaurateurs told Side Dish. That's because the higher prices are offset by the cost of flying in the foreign-based chefs, along with some of their team members, and putting them all up in hotels. 7 Chet Sharma, left, and Mitsunobu Nagae collaborated on a prix-fixe dinner. Eric Vitale Photography 7 The collabs, while not a new phenomenon, have taken on added importance as President Trump's tariffs create challenges for chefs to source some of their favorite ingredients. Eric Vitale Photography The upside, they say, is that global collabs raise the restaurants' profiles, bring in new diners and offer educational benefits for staff. On the Upper East Side, Sushi Noz's executive chef Nozomu Abe is bringing in Michelin-starred Chef Endo Kazutoshi, a third-generation sushi master who trained in Japan before opening his namesake restaurant, Endo, at the Rotunda in London. 7 At Sushi Noz on the Upper East Side, executive chef Nozomu Abe, left, is bringing in Michelin-starred Chef Endo Kazutoshi. Hannah Wyatt Last week, the pair offered a rare collaborative omakase where they presented their culinary visions through the use of local fish and other influences. 'We started the Japan series in 2019,' said Hannah Wyatt, Sushi Noz's operations manager. 'Our goal was to showcase top chefs from Japan through collaborative dinners with chef Noz, with a focus on sushi and kaiseki chefs at the top of their respective fields.' In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the owners of Layla's began bringing in chefs during COVID and continue to have pop-ups for 'brand exposure.' 7 The dinners these top chefs serve up at ticketed events aren't cheap. Eric Vitale Photography 7 The exclusive events, however, often don't bring in more money than regular a la carte dinners, restaurateurs told Side Dish. Eric Vitale Photography The most recent international collab involved chef Kyle Garry and chef Whyte Rushen of Whyte's in London, who is now on a 'worldwide' tour. 'We did it once, and it was really successful and fun and now it's something we try to do as often as we can,' Samuel Lynch, one of Layla's co-owners along with Stefano D'Orsogna and David Lacey, told Side Dish. The trend has even extended to the Hamptons, where Mavericks Montauk will welcome the crew from Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant Contraste on July 31. 7 The upside, they say, is that global collabs raise the restaurants' profiles, bring in new diners and offer educational benefits for staff. Interior of l'abeille, above. Eric Vitale Photography The collaboration was made possible by the deep-rooted friendship between Mavericks' pastry chef Remy Ertaud and Contraste's Louis De Vicari. We hear … that celeb chef Scott Conant is opening a posh new Italian restaurant, Leola, in the Bahamas at Baha Mar this fall. Leola will be on the casino level of Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, joining hotspots including Jon Batiste's Jazz Club, Marcus Samuelsson's Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House, Daniel Boulud's Cafe Boulud, and Dario Cecchini's Carna. The 8,800 square foot space comes with 106 seats in the main dining room and 130 seats outside. 'Bringing Leola to life at Baha Mar is something I've dreamed about for a long time,' Conant said. 'I've always been inspired by the beauty and spirit of the Bahamas, and it felt like the perfect place to create a restaurant that's both personal and inviting. With Leola, we're blending the kind of food and hospitality I love—warm, soulful, and rooted in connection.' Conant will also participate in the Fourth Annual Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, which runs from Oct. 22-26.
Mint
6 days ago
- Mint
Indian tourist arrested in Pattaya for stealing ₹16,000 from transgender woman
A 34-year-old Indian man, allegedly intoxicated, was arrested in Thailand's Pattaya for reportedly stealing cash from the purse of a transgender woman he had met on Walking Street -- a location well known for its nightlife. The 27-year-old transgender woman, identified as Nong Ploy, filed a police complaint on July 18, accusing the man of stealing 7,000 baht (approximately ₹ 16,100), The Pattaya News reported. Ploy told the media outlet that she met the suspect at an Indian-themed pub on Walking Street, where they struck up a conversation and later decided to continue drinking at his guesthouse room. Upon her arrival, the man allegedly persuaded her to take a shower. When she came out, she noticed him closing a safe in a suspicious manner. On checking her belongings, she realised that 7,000 baht had been stolen from her bag. When she tried to leave, the suspect reportedly stopped her and prevented her from exiting the room. Hotel staff intervened after hearing the woman's cries for help and alerted the police. Nong stated that the man appeared intoxicated and possibly under the influence of drugs, displaying erratic behaviour, including sticking out his tongue and acting in a bizarre manner. Thai police have detained the man, and he remains in custody. An investigation has been launched. In a similar incident, a 38-year-old Indian man was arrested for allegedly stealing items worth ₹ 3.5 lakh from 14 shops at Singapore's Jewel Changi Airport before flying out of the country. According to The Straits Times, the stolen goods included perfumes, cosmetics, and bags worth a total of SGD 5,136. The suspect left Singapore after committing the thefts but was arrested on June 1 upon returning and transiting through Changi Airport. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed his arrest in a press release on July 23, stating that the stolen items had been recovered. He is expected to be charged with theft and fraudulent possession of property on July 25.
Mint
6 days ago
- Mint
Indian tourist arrested in Pattaya for stealing ₹16,000 from transgender woman
A 34-year-old Indian man, allegedly intoxicated, was arrested in Thailand's Pattaya for reportedly stealing cash from the purse of a transgender woman he had met on Walking Street -- a location well known for its nightlife. The 27-year-old transgender woman, identified as Nong Ploy, filed a police complaint on July 18, accusing the man of stealing 7,000 baht (approximately ₹ 16,100), The Pattaya News reported. Ploy told the media outlet that she met the suspect at an Indian-themed pub on Walking Street, where they struck up a conversation and later decided to continue drinking at his guesthouse room. Upon her arrival, the man allegedly persuaded her to take a shower. When she came out, she noticed him closing a safe in a suspicious manner. On checking her belongings, she realised that 7,000 baht had been stolen from her bag. When she tried to leave, the suspect reportedly stopped her and prevented her from exiting the room. Hotel staff intervened after hearing the woman's cries for help and alerted the police. Nong stated that the man appeared intoxicated and possibly under the influence of drugs, displaying erratic behaviour, including sticking out his tongue and acting in a bizarre manner. Thai police have detained the man, and he remains in custody. An investigation has been launched. In a similar incident, a 38-year-old Indian man was arrested for allegedly stealing items worth ₹ 3.5 lakh from 14 shops at Singapore's Jewel Changi Airport before flying out of the country. According to The Straits Times, the stolen goods included perfumes, cosmetics, and bags worth a total of SGD 5,136. The suspect left Singapore after committing the thefts but was arrested on June 1 upon returning and transiting through Changi Airport. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) confirmed his arrest in a press release on July 23, stating that the stolen items had been recovered. He is expected to be charged with theft and fraudulent possession of property on July 25. The thefts first came to light when a retail supervisor discovered a missing bag during a stock-taking exercise. CCTV footage revealed the man stealing the item and leaving the shop without paying. Authorities identified him, but he had already left the country by then. Police later warned, 'Offenders should not think that they can evade capture by quickly boarding a flight."
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
How Board Games Are Making a Big Comeback Through Digital
In an era defined by lightning-fast mobile games, few would expect humble board games to mount a comeback, that alone in digital format. Yet, quietly and steadily, they are, and in ways no one could have predicted. No longer confined to cardboard and tokens, modern board games are entering the online space, transforming into interactive, community-driven digital experiences. From mobile apps and browser-based platforms to multiplayer simulators and hybrid board-digital formats, the board game revival is not just happening in spite of digital gaming; it's thriving because of it. Digital Nostalgia: A Surprising Catalyst Contrary to the belief that digital technology kills traditional formats, it's fueling their evolution. In recent years, developers and publishers have reimagined board games like ludo as part of the broader digital ecosystem. The result? A fusion of nostalgia and innovation. Classic titles like Carrom, Chess, and Ludo have already cemented their place as top-grossing mobile apps. People crave a mental break from hyper-speed video games. Digital board games provide that, with focused strategy, and slower, meaningful play. Board Games Meet the Online Community The social aspect of board games is a big part of their charm, and digital versions are doubling down on that. During the pandemic, virtual board games, especially ludo games, exploded the nights when all would sit together or even apart and play ludo online with people from other parts of the nation. Now, even post-lockdown, many players continue to prefer digital tabletop sessions for their convenience, multiplayer capabilities, and ease of learning. India's Online Gaming Culture is Evolving India's online gaming boom, led by mobile-first platforms, fantasy cricket apps, and casual gaming, is now broadening to include digital board games. The numbers back it up: Google Play Store data shows over 500 million downloads of Ludo-based apps alone. Even lesser-known games like Indian-themed card strategies and mythology-based tiles games are seeing niche traction. But this is just the beginning. Startups are combining Indian storytelling with digital interfaces. Some are even adding regional language support and audio-guided tutorials to make games more accessible across demographics. Not Just Play, But Learning and Therapy Digital board games aren't only for entertainment. Educators, mental health professionals, and corporate trainers are embracing them too. Educational platforms now use online games like Mathopoly (math-based Monopoly), Financial Wisdom (budgeting and investment-themed gameplay), and quiz-based co-ops for blended learning. In classrooms, apps like Quizizz and PlayPosit gamify subject material, but structured board-style simulations are proving even more effective in soft skill development. Challenges to the Board Game Boom Despite the momentum, digital board games face several challenges. 1. Steep Learning Curves: Many games come with long rulebooks and complex setups. While physical play allows more natural learning, digital versions often lose new players in menus and mechanics. 2. Discoverability: Unlike mainstream mobile games, board games remain a niche in app stores. Many quality games go unnoticed without strong influencer support or curated platforms. 3. Lack of Localization: Indian gamers often find limited options in regional languages or culturally relevant themes. While the scene is improving, more efforts are needed to include India's linguistic and cultural diversity. The Game That Redefined Digital Board Gaming in India No board game has ridden the wave of digital transformation in India quite like Ludo. Once a simple family pastime played during summer vacations on living room floors, Ludo has become a digital gaming phenomenon. What's fascinating is not just the popularity of these apps, but how they've redefined what board games can mean in a digital age. 1. Ludo's Mobile Makeover: Accessibility First Ludo's success in digital gaming circles is largely due to how easily it transitioned to smartphones. The game's simple mechanics — roll dice, move tokens, race to home, are intuitive for all age groups. Developers turned this simplicity into a strength, removing setup time, automating turns, and offering matchmaking with strangers or friends. This frictionless entry allowed millions, including people who had never tried digital games before, to become active online players. 2. Social Gaming, Reimagined Digital Ludo apps add transforming a simple game into a socially immersive experience. In a country like India, where joint families, long-distance friendships, and social gaming culture are deeply rooted, this felt natural. 'During the pandemic, playing Ludo wasn't just entertainment. It became our evening ritual with friends, cousins and social stickiness turned Ludo from a casual game into a cultural phenomenon in the digital world. 3. Tournaments, Cash Play & Real Rewards With the rise of real-money gaming platforms, Ludo evolved even further. Ludo apps have introduced cash contests, daily leaderboards, and skill-based tweaks. Suddenly, a game once played with cowrie shells became a competitive digital sport — with real-world stakes. Players now enter Ludo tournaments with opportunity to win real cash rewards , bringing the fantasy sports energy into board gaming. This model blurred the lines between casual fun and serious gaming, helping Ludo tap into the booming online gaming economy. 4. Reintroducing Board Games to Gen Z Perhaps Ludo's biggest impact has been cultural. It reintroduced the idea of board gaming to a new generation — not through cardboard, but through code. For many younger players, digital Ludo was their first experience with turn-based, strategic gameplay that wasn't part of a traditional video game. This exposure has served as a gateway drug into the broader world of online board gaming. Many who started with Ludo are now exploring more complex titles like Chess, Monopoly Go, Uno, and eventually, games like Catan or Carcassonne on platforms like Board Game Arena. 5. Setting the Blueprint for Future Indian Board Games The success of digital Ludo has shown Indian game developers that there is a massive untapped market for culturally resonant, skill-friendly, multiplayer board games. We're already seeing experimental titles emerge that build on this momentum — from Indian Rummy apps with rich story arcs, to mythology-themed board games with digital overlays. Ludo has essentially opened the doors for the 'desi-fication' of online board gaming, where traditional Indian games are modernized and made mobile-friendly without losing their essence. Disclaimer: This article is sponsored content curated by HT Syndication. The inputs and details accounted for in the article do not necessarily reflect those of HT, and HT does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the information provided. Want to get your story featured as above? click here! First Published Date: 19 Jun, 09:59 IST
Time Business News
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
How to Make a Perfect Birthday Invitation Video Using Editable Templates Online
Birthday celebrations are always special, and what better way to kick them off than with a stunning birthday invitation video? In today's digital world, video invites have become the go-to choice for people of all ages. Whether you're planning a birthday party for a child, teen, or adult, using editable birthday invitation video templates can make the process quick, easy, and highly creative. Traditional paper invites are charming, but digital video invitations are engaging, dynamic, and shareable instantly via WhatsApp, Instagram, and email. Here are a few reasons why they are trending: Personalized Touch: Add your own text, images, music, and videos. Add your own text, images, music, and videos. Instant Sharing: Send invites across platforms in seconds. Send invites across platforms in seconds. Environmentally Friendly: No printing, no waste. No printing, no waste. Eye-catching: Use animation, effects, and background music to stand out. Here are some trending birthday video invite themes: Kids Birthday Invitation Video Templates: Bright, colorful, cartoon-based designs featuring popular characters like Boss Baby, Spiderman, or Barbie. 1st Birthday Invitation Video Templates: Elegant pastels, balloons, and milestone graphics perfect for baby's first big day. Teen Birthday Invite Videos: Music-themed, retro styles, or aesthetic minimalism to match the vibe. Adult or Milestone Birthday Templates (30th, 40th, 50th): Classy gold and black themes, neon lights, or travel-based templates. Photo-based Templates: These allow you to upload personal pictures and create a video story with smooth transitions. Explore all Birthday Invitation Templates Here. Creating your video invitation is easier than you think. Here's how it works: Choose a Template: Browse from a wide range of editable birthday video templates based on your party theme and age group. Customize Text & Details: Add your event's name, date, time, location, and RSVP info. Upload Photos (Optional): Personalize the video by adding birthday girl/boy's photos. Add Music: Choose from the platform's audio library or upload your own. Preview & Download: See how it looks and make edits before downloading your final video in MP4 format. Click Here to Create Birthday Party Video Invite in 15 Minutes If you're looking for platforms that offer ready-to-edit birthday video invites, here are a few options: Wish N Wed – Offers a wide range of Indian-themed and modern templates. – Offers a wide range of Indian-themed and modern templates. Canva – Great for beginners with drag-and-drop features. – Great for beginners with drag-and-drop features. Video Invitation Maker Apps (Mobile) – Ideal for quick edits and last-minute invites. Keep the video under 1 minute for better shareability. Match the music to the tone of the party. Use clear fonts for names and address details. Include RSVP contact details. Always preview before sending. Whether you're planning a grand birthday bash or an intimate celebration, a birthday invitation video adds excitement and a modern touch to your event planning. With customizable editable birthday invitation video templates, you don't need to be a designer or a video editor—just pick a template, add your details, and you're ready to invite! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
